"I stayed at my place last night. It was weird being alone but good."
Sunday morning, Tyler texts early.
Tyler: Kids are up. Cartoons and cereal. Then we're heading back to the airport. Still planning on coming over after?
Chloe: Emily and I are hanging out together today and then I’ll come over after. Is that okay?
Tyler: More than okay. See her. Take care of yourself. Then come to me when you're ready.
Chloe: I love you, Daddy.
Tyler: I love you too, baby girl.
The day drags. I'm anxious for Tyler. Knowing saying goodbye to his kids is hard. Especially with how long he has to go without seeing them. I don’t like their current custody agreement, but his ex seems okay. She lets the kids call and talk to him as often as they want. Which, I’ve discovered can be anywhere from ten minutes a day to entire hours if Emma is feeling chatty.
Around four, he texts again.
Tyler: Dropped them off. Heading home. They asked about you. Wanted to know when they could meet you.
My heart swells.
Chloe: What did you say?
Tyler: That hopefully soon. If you're ready.
Chloe: I'm ready. Whenever you think they are.
Tyler: We'll talk about it tonight. Have fun with Emily. I'll be here when you're done.
I head to Emily's apartment, and she opens the door with wine already poured.
"Spill. Everything. How's Tyler?"
We settle on her couch, and I tell her everything. The boundaries we set. The kids asking about me. The plan to eventually introduce us.
"I’m so proud of you. You were brave enough to finally go for the man you wanted." She takes a sip of wine.
"Now let's talk about Rampage,” I say.
"There's nothing to talk about."
"Liar."
Her cheeks flush. "He's... interesting."
"Interesting how?"
"He's dominant without being overbearing. Protective without being controlling. And he actually listened when I talked. Like, really listened."
"Sounds like a Daddy."
"Don't start."
"I'm not starting. I'm observing." I grin. "Are you going to see him again?"
"I don't know. Maybe. He invited me to a charity ride The Watchmen are hosting next weekend."
"That sounds like a date."
